Hong Kong Hong Kong Shanghai Fantasy One Tael Coin 1867

19th century

Sold by Antik Dragon Japanese & Other Fine Art

Description

The Hong Kong-Shanghai Silver Tael, Rare Fantasy Coin 1867 is a 'pattern' experimental coin that never entered circulation. It was never intended for Shanghai or Hong Kong circulation but rather for the Chinese Empire, but it was never accepted due to the many British overtones on the design.

It contains the coat of arms of England, Scotland, and Ireland (consisting of lions and a harp) within a crowned collar inscribed with the Latin motto ‘HONI SOIT QUI MAL Y PENSE’ (Shame be to him who thinks evil of it). On the reverse is a dragon within a circle surrounded by four Chinese ideograms, with or without rays – this sample has rays. The diameter is 39mm and the weight 26.6g.

The coin is in excellent condition with high quality crisp details.

Physical Dimensions

Height

0.2cm (0.08")

Width

3.9cm (1.54")

Declaration

Antik Dragon Japanese & Other Fine Art has dated this piece to the 19th Century.

Reference Numbers

Sellingantiques Reference

SA856211

Dealers Internal Reference

AD245/21

Description

The Hong Kong-Shanghai Silver Tael, Rare Fantasy Coin 1867 is a 'pattern' experimental coin that never entered circulation.

“

It was never intended for Shanghai or Hong Kong circulation but rather for the Chinese Empire, but it was never accepted due to the many British overtones on the design.

Antik Dragon Japanese & Other Fine Art

fig 1. Hong Kong Hong Kong Shanghai Fantasy One Tael Coin 1867

It contains the coat of arms of England, Scotland, and Ireland (consisting of lions and a harp) within a crowned collar inscribed with the Latin motto ‘HONI SOIT QUI MAL Y PENSE’ (Shame be to him who thinks evil of it). On the reverse is a dragon within a circle surrounded by four Chinese ideograms, with or without rays – this sample has rays. The diameter is 39mm and the weight 26.6g.

The coin is in excellent condition with high quality crisp details.